Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/738894
1 2 3 94 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6 1. Honor Your Profession and Its Name We've all heard the antiquated and slang terms relating to massage: back/body rub, masseuse, massage parlor, etc. Sometimes they are said in jest between colleagues, but other times clients say them without awareness of the possible negative connotations. You can only expect your peers and clientele to repeat and support what you allow. Take your profession and title seriously by educating those around you of the proper language used to differentiate a professional, therapeutic massage with an unprofessional, illegal service in the sex trade. 2. Dress to Impress Our attire matters. Taking the time and effort to put ourselves together before meeting a client speaks volumes about professionalism and how we view ourselves in the health-care profession. In high-end spas and wellness centers, employees are often supplied with uniforms or dress codes, asserting a clear definition of the mood or tone their establishment is trying to convey. In your own practice, even if you wear the same shirt and pants every day, so long as they are clean and pressed, you will surely impress patrons with a polished, professional appearance. 3. Create and Uphold Clearly Defined Boundaries It may feel a little uncomfortable at first to verbally explain your policies and then have new clients sign a waiver confirming understanding of those policies. However, what is written on paper, as well as upheld in practice, oftentimes gets lost in translation. When a client repeatedly shows up late for a session or fails to respect the policies presented on your initial meeting, and you are put in a position to enforce the consequences, it can sometimes feel like you're running the risk of losing business. The vital lesson is to create boundaries you can not only write and verbally explain, but also confidently uphold. Clients will respect you for having boundaries and for clearly defining and implementing them.